MCC men shoot ‘lights out’ in 99-84 win at LCCC

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The McCook Community College men snapped a four game losing streak and shot lights out in a 99-84 win on the road over Laramie County Community College.

“This was a day-and-night difference between today and Friday,” said MCC Coach Jacob Brandl. “Our guys came out today with a focus and a hunger that just completely different and I’m proud of their approach.”

All five MCC starters scored in double figures, led by freshman Louie Tucker (Bristol, England) who made nine 3-pointers and scored 27 points.

“We had a lot of good minutes from a lot of guys,” said Brandl.

Freshman Bryan Akanmu (Paris, France) scored 22 points and made it a double with 13 rebounds to lead the team. Martel Evans (sophomore, Omaha Creighton Prep) put in 18, sophomore Ty Foster (Bronx, N.Y.) scored 14 and sophomore Zeki Cavli (Bodrum, Turkey) had 13 points.

“Zeki struggled from the 3, but was good everywhere else with all his shots and went right into it with no hesitation – Ty Foster the same thing,” said Brandl.

The coach also like the minutes some of his bench players, citing sophomores Kolton Hager (Wallace) and Ridley Shema (London, England).

“Kolton Hager had some really big minutes and Ridley Shema came in and got three rebounds for us,” Brandl said.

MCC shot 56.9 percent from the field, made 13 of 30 shots from behind the 3-point line (43.3 percent) and made four of six free throws (66.7 percent) The Indians won the rebound battle 37-31 and turned the ball over 16 times.

“I just liked our approach more,” said Brandl. “Obviously it’s an easier game when you’re making shots and making 13 threes helped, but guys were stepping up and there was no hesitation in our shots.”

LCCC shot 48.6 from the field, 33.3 percent from the arc (seven of 21) and 42.9 percent from the line (nine of 21). The Golden Eagles turned the ball over 15 times.

“I’m proud of our guys for sticking with the game plan,” said Brandl. “Laramie County is a very good offensive basketball team. They do a great job in transition, but I thought our guys did a pretty good job eliminating live ball turnovers and bad shots.”

Laramie County Community College falls to 6-4 on the season.

MCC goes to 3-8 and gets a 15-point win over the Golden Eagles, who beat MCC at home last month by 31 points, 87-56.

The Indians will close out the semester on the road next weekend in Sterling, Colo. with two games in the Region IX Crossover Classic. On Friday MCC plays Central Wyoming at 1:30 p.m. (CT) followed with an 11 a.m. game Saturday against Western Wyoming.

The coach said if the team comes out with the same approach they had against LCCC – guys playing with toughness and no fear – they’ll give themselves chances to win.

Up-to-date information about MCC basketball including schedules, statistics, rosters and photos can be found on the MCC Athletics website, www.mccindians.com.